Christianity Renewed

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Baha’u’llah affirms in the Book of Ceritude:

“To every discerning and illumined heart it is evident that God, the unknowable Essence, the Divine Being, is immeasurably exalted beyond every human attribute such as corporeal existence, ascent and descent, egress and regress... He is, and hath ever been, veiled in the ancient eternity of His Essence, and will remain in His Reality everlastingly hidden from the sight of men... He standeth exalted beyond and above all separation and union, all proximity and remoteness...

 

Christ, the Son
“This is what Jesus Christ meant when He declared, "the father is in the son," the purpose being that the reality of that eternal Sun had become reflected in its glory in Christ Himself. It does not signify that the Sun of Reality had descended from its place in heaven or that its essential being had effected an entrance into the mirror, for there is neither entrance nor exit for the reality of Divinity; there is no ingress or egress; it is sanctified above all things and ever occupies its own holy station.”                                (Abdu'l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace)

 

 

The Return of Christ


by `Abdu'l-Baha, Some Answered Questions
pp. 132-134

THE "RETURN" SPOKEN OF BY
THE PROPHETS

Question.--Will you explain the subject of Return?

Answer.--Baha'u'llah has explained this question fully and clearly in the Iqan. Read it, and the truth of this subject will become apparent. But since you have asked about it, I will explain it briefly. We will begin to elucidate it from the Gospel, for there it is plainly said that when John, the son of Zacharias, appeared and gave to men the glad tidings of the Kingdom of God, they asked him, "Who art thou? Art thou the promised Messiah?" He replied, "I am not the Messiah." Then they asked him, "Art thou Elijah?" He said, "I am not." These words prove and show that John, the son of Zacharias, was not the promised Elias. But on the day of the transfiguration on Mount Tabor Christ said plainly that John, the son of Zacharias, was the promised Elias.

In chapter 9, verses 11-13, of the Gospel of Mark, it is said: "And they asked Him, saying, Why say the scribes that Elias must first come? And He answered and told them, Elias verily cometh first, and restoreth all things; and how it is written of the Son of man, that He must suffer many things, and be set at nought. But I say unto you, That Elias is indeed come, and they have done unto him whatsoever they listed, as it is written of him."

In chapter 17, verse 13, of Matthew, it is said: "Then the disciples understood that He spake unto them of John the Baptist."

They asked John the Baptist, "Are you Elias?" He answered, "No, I am not," although it is said in the Gospel that John was the promised Elias, and Christ also said so clearly. Then if John was Elias, why did he say, "I am not"? And if he was not Elias, why did Christ say that he was?

The explanation is this: not the personality, but the reality of the perfections, is meant--that is to say, the same perfections that were in Elias existed in John the Baptist and were exactly realized in him. Therefore, John the Baptist was the promised Elias. In this case not the essence, but the qualities, are regarded. For example, there was a flower last year, and this year there is also a flower; I say the flower of last year has returned. Now, I do not mean that same flower in its exact individuality has come back; but as this flower has the same qualities as that of last year--as it has the same perfume, delicacy, color and form--I say the flower of last year has returned, and this flower is the former flower. When spring comes, we say last year's spring has come back because all that was found in last year's spring exists in this spring. That is why Christ said, "You will see all that happened in the days of the former Prophets."

We will give another illustration. The seed of last year is sown, branches and leaves grow forth, blossoms and fruits appear, and all has again returned to seed. When this second seed is planted, a tree will grow from it, and once more those branches, leaves, blossoms and fruits will return, and that tree will appear in perfection. As the beginning was a seed and the end is a seed, we say that the seed has returned. When we look at the substance of the tree, it is another substance, but when we look at the blossoms, leaves and fruits, the same fragrance, delicacy and taste are produced. Therefore, the perfection of the tree has returned a second time.

In the same way, if we regard the return of the individual, it is another individual; but if we regard the qualities and perfections, the same have returned. Therefore, when Christ said, "This is Elias," He meant: this person is a manifestation of the bounty, the perfections, the character, the qualities and the virtues of Elias. John the Baptist said, "I am not Elias." Christ considered the qualities, the perfections, the character and the virtues of both, and John regarded his substance and individuality. It is like this lamp: it was here last night, and tonight it is also lighted, and tomorrow night it will also shine. We say that the lamp of this night is the same light as that of last night, and that it has returned. It refers to the light, and not to the oil, the wick or the holder.

This subject is fully and clearly explained in the Kitab-i-Iqan.

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS of CHRISTIANITY RENEWED

VOLUME 1: Chapter 1. Why are there so many denominations?/ Chapter 2. The birth of Christianity/ Chapter 3.Understanding the true meaning of the bible/ Chapter 4. Why are there so many religions in the world/ chapter 5. The Glad Tidings /chapter 6. The time of renewal.

VOLUME 2: 1: Jesus, the Son of God, 2:The Trinity - Drawing of Mirror & Sun, 3.: The Reality of Christ, 4: ‘I am the Way, the Truth and the Life..”, 5: Adam and Eve, 6: Original Sin, 7: Salvation, 8: Sacraments, 9: Miracles, 10:Heaven and Hell, 11: Devils and Angels, 12: Spiritual Meaning of the Resurrection, 12: The Ascension - not a journey into space

VOLUME 3: Chapter 1: Promise of world peace / Chapter 2: The time of the Second Coming/ Chapter 3: Christ's descent upon the clouds of heaven/ Chapter 4: Spiritual meaning of Return/ Chapter 5: Book of Revelation and 666/  Chapter 6: Distinguish between a true and false Prophet/  Chapter 7: The new name/ Chapter 8: How will we recognize the Messenger of God?/ Chapter 9: Life and sufferings of Bahá’u’lláh/ Chapter 10: God's Great Covenant/ Chapter 11:The time of the End/ Chapter 12: The Kingdom of God/

VOLUME 4:  ( There are 36 short chapters!)  1. Most important teaching of Christ is love ./ 2. Why are there so many divisions? / 3. His Divinity, His Sonship and human nature. / 4. His name is Jesus—His title is Christ/ 5. What is the foundation of Christianity? / 6. The lamp is Jesus, the light is Christ. / 7. Bahá’í Writings glorify Christ. / 8. The history of the Trinity / 9. Spiritual meaning of the Trinity/  10. Religion must be renewed from age to age/ 11. Progressive revelation in the Bible/  12. God’s Covenant through Abraham / 13. One God, many Messengers. / 14. Oneness of religion/ 15. Spiritual and social steps for mankind. / 16. The golden rule. / 17. The Bible, the Holy Book of God. / 18. Origins of Christianity. 19. Influences that shaped Christianity. / 20. The church fathers cause division. / 21. Original sin and salvation.  22. Adam and Eve. 23. What is the true meaning of baptism?  / 24. Spiritual meaning of “bread and wine”. 25. Spiritual meaning of miracles. / 26. The true meaning of salvation / 27. Satan means “obstacle”. / 28. The history of heaven and hell. / 29. Independent investigation of truth. 30. / How to recognize Jesus as the Messiah. / 31. Signs for the Return of Christ / 32. The time of the Return in 1844 / 33. The time prophesies. / 34.   Bahá’u’lláh—The Glory of God. / 35. The place of His Coming. / 36. The Mountain of God—Sign for Peace. 

SLIDE PRESENTATION : QUESTIONS CHRISTIANS ASK (Click question to read answers)

SLIDE PRESENTATION : QUESTIONS CHRISTIANS ASK (Click question to read answers)

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TESTIMONIALS for CHRISTIANITY RENEWED Volume I,II,III,IV and V

Due to their direct and simple (but profound) direct style, the “Christianity Renewed” series is ideal for teaching the large rural Christian population… It is very helpful for answering the doubts of Catholics. (Dr. Peter Khan, former member of Universal House of Justice)

Christianity Renewed’s excellent presentation explains how the original spiritual truths based on the words of Jesus Himself, under the weight of traditional authority crystallized into doctrines, until the true teachings of Jesus became clouded over by obscurantism, bigotry, narrow mindedness and prejudice.   David Hofman (former member of the Universal House of Justice)

CHRISTIANITY RENEWED MADE ME BAHA'I.....SERIOUSLY!!!! Great for people from  a Christian background. These books were the last TESTAMENT to my search.. being from a strong Protestant church background.  These books built BRIDGES FOR ME and LINKS between Christ and Baha'u'llah. 
I became drunk with happiness and love from the discovery of the TRUTH...THANK YOU BAHA'U'LLAH...Forever Thankful  (Dr Taralina Gae'e-Atefi, Samoa)

I was a Lutheran pastor in Vanimo, Papua New Guinea. I studied Theology in Germany.  I tried to revive Christianity but failed.  It was a humbling experience.  I prayed to God: “Not my will but Your Will be done” .   Initially I opposed Baha’i Faith but Christianity Renewed opened my eyes, showing a new way to reconcile science and religion.  It was difficult for me to become a Baha’i as the Lutheran church gave me salary, house and car.  But I knew the Baha’i Faith was the truth.  I left the church, became a Baha’i and returned back to my small village.  No money, no job, no prospects.   I had to start again… but his time “armed with the Power of Thy name  nothing can ever hurt me, and with Thy love in my heart all the world’s afflictions can in no wise alarm  me” (Abe Bodick, Papua New Guinea) 

"Teaching the Faith in Solomon Islands is challenging. It was only after reading “Christianity Renewed” that we saw new ways to teach about Baha’u’llah in relation to Jesus.  These books were so simple, direct and comprehensive that everyone could understand them. We have a high rate of illiteracy (87%) across the nation, so having a text that is easy for people to understand is essential (Joyce and Don Boykin, former NSA members, Solomon islands)

I was a practising Catholic when I began reading Christianity Renewed resulting in my discovery of  an awakened spirituality offered by the Baha'i Faith.  The books helped explain  Divine truth of progressive revelation, love and service to humanity encouraged in each dispensation and the reality of our own eternal selves.  Even though I felt the truth of the Baha'i Cause resonated within, I still had many questions and loyalty of the heart for my Christian traditions. Through reading the books Christianity Renewed and discussing them, all of my questions were answered and more. I was enlightened and enkindled by the deep knowledge, exploration and explanation of the relationship between the two faiths in the books. (Mary-Kait Hunter, psychologist, Australia) 

I was a dedicated Christian before I became a Baha’i.  Christianity Renewed empowered me in my own spirituality that it was not a matter of cutting my loyalty to Christianity by enlisting as a Baha'i, but actually strengthening my admiration for Christ, the validity of Christianity and the timely renewal of its sublime message for mankind - peace, love and justice. (Debrani, A.B.M. Papua New Guinea)

I like Maxwell Alexander’s Christianity Renewed as it is a series of booklets that illumines a path through the jungle of different interpretations, which have splintered the Faith of Jesus into over 50,000 different denominations and sects.  Clearly and succinctly, the author brings to light the glorious news of the promised “Return”, illustrating his discussion with verbal and pictorial imagery.  (Dr Yvonne Ingrid Woźniak , Poland)

I found the books to be a comprehensive yet a simple treatment of a very profound Theme.  The Bahá'í Perspective on the Faith of Christ. I highly recommend them to: "promote a dialogue between Baha'is and Christians". David Takagi (Hawai)

The “Christianity Renewed” series has changed our lives. It has been a blessing that we can share this simple but profound understanding of the truth with others in over 20 countries over the past 30 years. (Co- author Helen Vloeberghs, Australia)

“Christianity Renewed” presents a modern understanding of Christianity for a world coalescing into a global society in which the followers of the world’s great religions are confronted by the exclusivist claims of each religious tradition. (John Walker, Australia)

Christianity Renewed has been an indispensable guide to my deeper understanding of Catholicism and the Baha’i faith. (Dale Emerson, Lawyer, Belgium)